By Tr Alexinha Joseph for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco High School & Junior College, Borivli, solemnly celebrated its Investiture Ceremony for the academic year 2026–2027 for the SSC, a significant occasion that marked the formal installation of the newly elected Student Council. The ceremony was a celebration of leadership, responsibility and service, reflecting the Salesian tradition of forming young people into "good Christians and honest citizens."

The programme commenced with the arrival of the dignitaries, followed by a prayer service invoking God's blessings upon the newly elected student leaders. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Fr Manuel Murzello, Rector and Manager; Fr Ranson D'Souza, Principal and Vice Rector; Fr Vishal Lopes, Administrator; members of the Salesian Community, Fr Mario Vaz and Fr Aloysius Furtado; Supervisor Mrs Charusheela Pujare, along with teachers, parents and students.

Addressing the gathering, Fr Manuel Murzello reflected on the true meaning of leadership as envisioned by St John Bosco. He reminded the newly elected leaders that leadership is not about privilege or authority but about selfless service, humility, integrity and becoming role models who inspire others through their actions. His words encouraged the student leaders to carry forward the Salesian values of faith, reason and loving kindness in every responsibility entrusted to them.

The highlight of the ceremony was the investiture of the School Captains, School Vice-Captains, House Captains and House Vice-Captains, who were ceremoniously presented with their badges of office as symbols of trust, accountability and commitment. The House Captains also received their respective House Flags, representing unity, honour and the collective spirit of their Houses.

The newly invested leaders then solemnly took the Oath of Office, administered by Fr Ranson D'Souza, pledging to uphold the ideals of the institution with honesty, humility, justice and dedication. The ceremony further witnessed the investiture of the Discipline Captains, Class Monitors and Assistant Monitors, who also pledged to carry out their responsibilities faithfully and lead by example in maintaining discipline and fostering a positive school environment.

The entire assembly then joined together in singing the School Anthem, reaffirming the shared identity and values that unite every Boscoite. In his address, Fr Ranson D'Souza congratulated the newly elected Student Council and officially declared the House Points System for the academic year 2026–2027 open, encouraging every student to participate wholeheartedly in the academic, cultural, sporting and co-curricular life of the school.

On behalf of the Student Council, the School Captains expressed their heartfelt gratitude to God, the Management, teachers, parents and fellow students for the trust placed in them. They assured everyone of their commitment to serve with sincerity, fairness and dedication throughout the year.

The Investiture Ceremony concluded with a group photograph of the newly invested leaders along with the dignitaries, marking the beginning of a new chapter of responsible leadership. Inspired by the vision of Don Bosco, the young leaders left the ceremony with a renewed commitment to serve others, uphold the values of the institution and lead with courage, compassion and integrity, becoming true ambassadors of the Salesian spirit.